Paul Pogba has confirmed that he will be launching an appeal against his 4-year ban. The Frenchman has restated that he has never deliberately taken any performance enhancing drugs and is shocked with the verdict.
The former Manchester United star is heartbroken and added that verdict is incorrect. However, he is unable to disclose more information as he is legally bound to keep it private at the moment.
Also Read: BREAKING: Paul Pogba banned from football for 4 years following doping charges
He released a statement on it, and said:
“I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect. I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me. When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.”
“As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against. As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”
The current ban handed to Pogba is the standard for doping in Italy. The start of the ban, thought announced today, will be from the first time he tested positive – August 2023.
The suspension would see him be eligible to play for club and country from the 2027/28 season, when he would have turned 34.
Sky Sports have reported that Pogba’s appeal to CAS could see the ban upheld. However, WADA will also launch an appeal, should the ruling go in the Frenchman’s favor. The final verdict on the suspension could be at the hands of the Swiss Court.